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This summer’s big ‘exterior’ design trend: Outdoor sofas!

Most of us have or would like to have some outdoor space attached to our homes, whether that is just a little courtyard or a vast plot of land. We all like to spend some time out in the fresh air relaxing, weather permitting of course. It is also a popular pass time to socialise in the garden maybe hosting a garden party or even a dinner outdoors. In order to make good use of this pass time and the outdoor space big or small, suitable furniture is a necessity. Many of us have wooden, metal or wicker garden furniture some of us even have a garden swing or garden chairs, but what about an outdoor sofas?

Every year we are bombarded with the phenomenon that is Big Brother and it is famed for having much of its living space outside in the garden, every year we avidly wait to see what funky furniture has been put outside to be used by the residents. Every year we also see on television the likes of the Chelsea Garden Show and other garden shows, the gardens at these events are much stylised and often have items of furniture in the garden. Garden furniture has to be practical, useful, and comfortable and perhaps most importantly has to be made to last in our weather conditions. If we are lucky we get some sunshine or at least dry weather from about May until October, however very few of us pay much attention to our garden furniture once it is in place. We may spend time carefully choosing the style and look of the furniture we buy but once it is in place we do not want to have to provide much maintenance to the items and we want to leave them in place through all weather. Most garden furniture comes with removable seating so at least it can be saved from the elements.

We have all seen gardens that can basically be described as tips or dumping grounds and very often old sofas take pride of place in these unkempt gardens. There has also been a recent fashion where students just remove the existing furniture from their accommodation and leave it in the garden, these gardens are unsightly and the practice should be discouraged. Indoor furniture especially sofas is not suitable for prolonged use outdoors. Upholstered sofas do not wear very well in damp climates and basically they begin to smell and rot, when looking for an outdoor sofa it is always best to purchase one that is fit for the purpose and has been designed for outdoor usage.

As many of us are unable to move home because of the current economic conditions any spare money we have we like to invest in our homes. Gardens are great for playing in, socialising and relaxing and it is worthwhile investing in good quality comfortable furnishing. Very often the garden is an extension of the kitchen or main living space in the home and so we want to be able to enjoy the space when we can. Garden sofas are very stylish and with all the different weather permitting materials out there, there is no need to buy a new sofa, just have it re upholstered with the correct fabric!